Did you know that three quarters of Singaporeans are using some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)? According to a survey in 2004, almost three quarters of those people did not discuss their use of CAM with their western-trained doctors.

Survey by Lim, Sadarangani, Chan, & Heng , 2004

Why tell your health care providers about CAM use?

• Giving your health care providers a full picture of what you do to manage your health helps you stay in control.
• Some CAM approaches can have an effect on conventional medicine. Talking to your health care providers about CAM use will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
• Talking to your providers about CAM use helps them to be fully informed and your partners in health care.

 

Tips for talking to your health care providers about CAM

• When completing patient history forms, be sure to include all therapies and treatments you use. Make a list in advance.
• Tell your health care providers about all therapies or treatments-including over-the-counter and prescription medicines, as well as herbal and dietary supplements.
• Don't wait for your providers to ask about your CAM use. Be proactive.
• If you are considering a new CAM therapy, ask your health care providers about its safety, effectiveness, and possible interactions with medications (both prescription and nonprescription).

 

What should patients do when using or considering CAM therapies?

Cancer patients who are using or considering CAM should discuss this decision with their health care provider, as they would any therapy. Some complementary and alternative therapies may interfere with standard treatment or may be harmful when used along with standard treatment. The booklet "Thinking About Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Guide for People with Cancer" discusses choices that people face in making decisions about cancer treatment and includes suggestions on how to talk with health care providers about these choices.

As with any medicine or treatment, it is a good idea to learn about the therapy, including whether the results of scientific studies support the claims that are made for it.

 

When considering CAM, what questions should patients ask their health care providers?

• What benefits can be expected from this therapy?
• What are the risks associated with this therapy?
• Do the known benefits outweigh the risks?
• What are the potential side effects?
• Will the therapy interfere with conventional treatment?
• Is this therapy part of a clinical trial? If so, who is sponsoring the trial?
• Will the therapy be covered by health insurance?